scared

1 of 2

adjective

ˈskerd 
Synonyms of scared
: thrown into or being in a state of fear, fright, or panic
scared of snakes
scared to go out

scared

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of scare entry 1

Synonyms of scared

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Adjective

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Examples of scared in a Sentence

Adjective I am really scared about speaking in front of the class. He was scared that his mother wouldn't let him go to the movies with his friends. She's scared to walk alone at night.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
People were scared, and nobody seemed to know what would happen next. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Despite the possibility that other states will be worse off, Maine providers — even those with relatively optimistic financial outlooks — are scared of what’s ahead. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026 Salida Police Department/Facebook The woman and the other person inside the hotel room were scared but uninjured, per the police report. — Logan Smith, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 One that is visibly collapsing under the weight of its scared cows. — Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scared

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scared was in 1579

Phrases Containing scared

Rhymes for scared

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Browse Nearby Words

scarecrow
scared
scaredness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scared. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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